Elm Tree Beacon Light

The Elm Tree Beacon Light is a 59-foot (18 m) tall navigation tower on Staten Island with a square cylindrical shape. Its concrete structure displays white and red painted bands and sits at Miller Field within the Gateway National Recreation Area.

It was originally built in 1856 as a wooden structure to guide ships entering New York Harbor. The beacon operated until 1964, marking the passage through the Swash Channel before being decommissioned.

The beacon took its name from a large elm tree that sailors relied on as a natural navigation aid before this official structure was built. The naming reflects how maritime communities adapted their local landmarks into formal navigation systems.

The tower is easily accessible at Miller Field within a national recreation area where you can view it from outside. The site offers open surroundings and is best visited during daylight hours to see the painted bands and structural details clearly.

It worked together with New Dorp Light as a range light system, with this beacon serving as the front marker. This paired setup helped sailors pinpoint their exact position when entering the harbor channel.

Location: Staten Island

Inception: 1856

GPS coordinates: 40.56390,-74.09530

Latest update: December 14, 2025 14:22